Musician Jenn Bostic: I wouldn't have this gift if it wasn't for God

How has your faith influenced you as you've pursued music?

Well, I wouldn't have this gift if it wasn't for God, and I'm very aware of that. I think it's my responsibility to share that gift with the world, and doors have been opened in the best way both in the States and here, so it's all over my music. If a Christian listens to my songs they'll pick up on the biblical references, but I think it's important to share the principles of the Bible so that when I'm in a venue singing people can hear that love and feel God's love through the music I'm performing.

You're a country singer, but your faith obviously comes through in your music. Is that a natural melding of the two for you?

Yes, I love all different styles of music, and my newer stuff has some bluesy influences, but it's hard for me not to write about something that crosses over into that realm [of faith], because that's what I live. That's what my heart beats for, that's what I root myself in and where my foundation is, so it naturally blends together.

You say you want to spread a positive message of God's love. How have you found music helps you do that?

The gift of music is such a beautiful thing to have in this world, it's so powerful and can bring people so much joy. So I think it's doing my small part in writing something that will bring love, positivity and talk about subjects that people need to hear and hope that God gets it where it needs to go.

You've just released your latest single, What love feels like. Where did your inspiration for that come from?

Well during the tour of the last record [Faithful] I got to come over here and that was amazing. My song Jealous of the Angels about my dad helped me to connect with people on a level I never thought I would and I heard people's stories of loss. People need to hear from others who have gone through the same thing and understand them. When I look back at when I lost my dad, those were the things I needed to hear – I was desperate to find someone else who knew what I was going through. So it's been such a lesson and a reminder that all human beings, no matter our background, how we were raised, or what our beliefs, all want to feel loved, appreciated and valued. That's the chorus of the song, and that's where it's coming from.

'Jealous of the Angels' has especially touched those dealing with grief. How has it felt to know that you've been part of the healing process for so many people?

It's incredibly humbling. All the songs I write are gifts from God, I'm just the vehicle that's getting them out in the world. There's been so much healing for me as well, through sharing the story on stage and playing that song over and over again, it's been really good for me. There was definitely a season where I didn't deal with what had happened – either because of shock or because I was so young – so it's personally healed a lot. I still get weekly emails from people saying 'This song helped me because I lost this person' or 'We used this song in a funeral' and there's no greater gift to me than to know I've touched hearts or helped someone at a difficult time. It's why I do this – it's to express myself, or to help other say the things when they can't find the words.

So what's next for you?

After this tour I'll head back to the States where I've got a grand piano tour across the Mid West in November. And on October 7 I'm opening for Richard Marx, so I'm looking forward to that.